In the middle of Batumi's waterfront promenade, a structure stretches into the sky, oscillating somewhere between a space radar, a DNA double helix, and an LED art object: the Alphabet Tower. Anyone approaching the 130-meter-high steel giant must first orient themselves – and perhaps ask themselves: Is this art, science, or an oversized jumble of letters?
The tower is indeed a homage to the Georgian alphabet – one of the oldest and most independent writing systems in the world. The 33 illuminated letters spiral around the tower's skeleton, reminiscent of a DNA helix. A clear message: language and identity are inextricably linked. The fact that this message is presented here in neon and glass is typical of Batumi – a place that likes to make everything a bit more colorful, garish, and spectacular.
At the top of the tower is a glass sphere with an observation deck and – at least temporarily – a café. The elevator takes visitors comfortably to the top, but service is not guaranteed. Those who dare to climb (and are lucky with the opening times) will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the Black Sea coast, the promenade and the playful urban chaos of the city.